Scientists invent “artificial leaves” that turn water into hydrogen energy

According to foreign media reports, scientists have recently developed the first practical artificial leaves that can turn water into hydrogen energy and oxygen under light. The leaves simulate green plants in the process of photosynthesis and convert water and sunlight into energy. This scientific research achievement has a milestone significance for the production of sustainable energy. The relevant research report was published in the latest issue of the "Accounts of Chemical Research" magazine.

This self-contained, inexpensive artificial leaf can provide electricity for remote places and developing countries

Instead of using expensive materials as in earlier equipment, new equipment is made from cheap materials and uses low-cost engineering and manufacturing processes. Daniel G. Nocera, head of the research team, said: “The most important of these is the decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen.” This artificial leaf has a solar collector, clips. Between two films, these two films generate oxygen and hydrogen. Immersed in a bottle of water, under the sun's rays, it will bubble, release hydrogen, can be used for fuel cells to generate electricity. These self-contained devices can be made into electricity fuel, which is very attractive to remote places and developing countries. Nocera pointed out that artificial leaves fulfilled the vision of a famous Italian chemist. The chemist predicted in 1912 that scientists would one day uncover the “secret secret of plants”.

The initial design relied on precious metals, such as platinum, and on some manufacturing processes, which made the cost of artificial leaves too high. In order to make these devices more widely available, Nocera replaces platinum catalysts with less expensive nickel-molybdenum-zinc compounds. On the other side of the blade, a cobalt film produces oxygen. Nocera pointed out that all of these materials are rich on the earth, unlike rare and expensive platinum, precious metal oxides and semiconductor materials, which are used by others. He said: "In the middle of this century, about 6 billion non-traditional users will bring about tremendous growth in energy demand. Therefore, one research goal is to provide solar energy to poor areas. Inventions such as artificial leaves will be given to the global community. Provide a direct path to the future of sustainable energy." (Beep/Compilation)